2022 Yeringberg Viognier

Viognier is a relative newcomer to Yeringberg, but in Sandra de Pury’s hands, it’s quickly proving its place among the estate’s most compelling wines. While this variety is often known for its bold, heady richness, Yeringberg’s approach is all about balance and finesse—building complexity while keeping things restrained and poised.

In 2022, low yields meant all the fruit was picked on the same day—an unusual departure from the usual two-stage harvest. After whole-bunch pressing to avoid excess phenolics, the juice was wild-fermented in old French oak barrels, where it rested on lees for 10 months, developing both texture and depth.

The nose is classic Viognier, but with a level of refinement not often seen—apricot, peach blossom, and burnt honey, lifted by more delicate notes of white tea, ginger, and lemon verbena. On the palate, there’s an immediate richness, but it never feels heavy. Instead, a gently pithy texture and lively acidity keep the wine fresh and structured, carrying those exotic fruit and floral notes through to a long, clean finish.

This is Viognier done right—perfumed and expressive, yet elegant and layered. It’s drinking beautifully now, but a few years in the cellar will only add to its intrigue.

96 points
"A bright green gold. A hedonistic bouquet of ripe nectarines and apricots together with glacé ginger and honey. Textured but not overdone on the palate, which is gently saline and very nicely balanced. It's delicious now, but this has enough of everything to still be looking good three to four years from now too. A truly lovely example."
- Philip Rich (Halliday Wine Companion)